Signature applying apparatus



United States Patent 3,115,839 SIGNATURE APPLYING APPARATUS Waldemar f. Thorwaldson, 9351 S. Maryknoll Ave, Whittier, Calif. Filed Apr. 23, 1962, Ser. No. 189,459 7 Claims. ((11. 101287) This invention relates generally to check signing devices and relates more particularly to automatic, safety check signing apparatus.

While the invention has particular utility in connection with apparatus for automatically signing checks and the like, and is shown and described in such connection, it is to be understood that its utility is not confined thereto.

In many business organizations a very substantial number of checks must be signed periodically and the person authorized to do such signing finds the job very tedious and tiring.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for overcoming this difiiculty.

It is another object of the invention to provide apparatus of this character with which checks may be easily and quickly signed.

It is still another object of the invention to provide apparatus of this character which will automatically impress the required signature on checks and the like.

When apparatus of this character is used it is not safe for such authorized person to leave it while it is activated and being used by such authorized person, as some unauthorized person might surreptitiously insert one or more checks into the apparatus and secure signatures on said unauthorized checks.

It is therefore a further object of the invention to provide apparatus of this character which may only be energized or activated and put in operative condition by means of a master locking means which may be operated to activate the apparatus only by the person authorized to use same.

It is another object of the invention to provide apparatus of this character which is kept activated by the operator while he is engaged in signing checks.

Still another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of this character which is kept activated by the operator by closing pressure on a normally open switch means or the like, so that should the operator be required to leave the device, even momentarily, he releases the normally open switch which immediately opens and deenergizes or de-activates the entire apparatus so that it cannot be operated again to impress signatures on checks or the like until the master locking means has again been operated to re-activate or re-energize the apparatus.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device of this character having an electrical system for controlling the means for moving or actuating the signaturecarrying die or stamp, said electrical system being readied by a momentary operation of such master control means.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide apparatus of this character having an electrical system which has means for de-energizing such stamp or die actuating means momentarily so that the check may be removed from the guide slot therefor.

t is another object of the invention to provide apparatus of this character that is relatively simple in construction.

It is still another object of the invention to provide apparatus of this character that is simple, reliable and eifective in operation.

It is a further object of the invention to provide apparatus of this character that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention are 3,115,33h Patented Dec. 31, 1963 further suiiiciently referred to in connection with the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, which represent certain embodiments. After considering these examples skilled persons will understand that variations may be made without departing from the principles disclosed and I contemplate the employment of any structures, arrangements or modes of operation that are properly within the scope of the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1 is a wiring diagram of the electrical system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device embodying the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view showing the stamp or die and the inking arrangement therefor;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of an alternative master control as viewed from the side; and

FIG. 5 is a view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown an electrical system for controlling a solenoid 10 having an armature 12 carrying a die or stamp 14 at the lower end thereof on which a signature is carried. The upper end of the armature 12 carries an armature plate 16 of the usual character.

The electrical circuit includes wires 18 and 2t), respectively, connected to a suitable source of electrical power, not shown.

As shown in FIG. 1 wire 20 stems downwardly and one end of the coil, not shown, of the solenoid 10 is connected to wire 26 by a wire 22.

Wire 18 extends leftwardly, as shown in FIG. 1, and one side of a master switch, indicated generally at 24, is connected to Wire is by a wire 26. The other side of switch 24 has a wire 23 connected thereto, said wire 28 having a portion thereof extending downwardly, as shown in FIG. 1.

There is a relay switch, indicated generally at R1, having a coil 30, one end of said coil 30 being connected to the wire 28 by a wire 32 and the other end of said coil 3t) being connected to the wire 20 by a wire 34. Relay switch R1 has the usual armature 36 operably disposed within the coil 30. The relay switch R1 includes a normally open switch 38 having a movable switch member 40 connected with the armature 36 by a connecting member 4-2.

One side of the switch 38 is connected by a wire 4-4 with one side of a normally closed switch, indicated generally at 4-6, of a relay switch indicated generally at R2. Switch 46 has a movable switch member 48 connected with the armature 50 of relay switch R2 by a connecting element 52. The armature 5d of the relay switch R2 is operably disposed within a coil 54 of said relay switch, one side of said coil 54 being connected to the adjacent end of the wire 20. It is to be noted that the other side of the switch 46 is connected to the wire 18.

The other side of switch 38 is connected by a wire 56 with a wire 58 which, in turn, is connected to wire 28, the latter being connected to one side of a switch indicated generally at 60, of a relay switch indicated generally at R3. Wire 58 is connected to one side of a push button two point make switch, indicated generally at 62, said switch 62 having a movable switch member 64 having a button 66 for actuating same. Switch 62 has its opposite or other side connected to one end of the coil 68 of relay switch R3 by means of a wire 7 (l, the opposite end of said coil 68 being connected by a wire 72 to the power wire or line 20.

From the other side of switch there is a wire 76 which is connected to a wire 78 leading to one side of a push button two point break switch, indicated generally at 881. Switches 62 and 80 are connected together by 3 means of any suitable connection, indicated by the dotted lines 82, it being noted that switch 62 is normally open and switch 89 is normally closed.

Wire 7 8 also has a connection with one side of an electric light or lamp 34, the other side of said light being connected'by a wire 86 with the power line or wire Zii.

There is a microswitch, indicated generally at M, having one side connected by means of a wire 38 with the other end of the coil of solenoid it Microswitch M is normally open and includes a movable switch member 99 actuated by pressure on a button 92. A wire 94 connects the other side of the microswitch M with one side of a normally closed switch, indicated generally at 96, of a time-delay switch, indicated generally at TD. Switch 9t: has its other side connected by a wire 98 with wire 73.

Switch 96 of the time-delay switch TD has a movable valve member liih connected by means of a member 162' with the armature Hi4 operably mounted within a coil 1% which has one end connected to the power line by means of a wire M8 and its opposite end connected by a wire 116- with wire 88.

Briefly, it should be noted that switches 38 and 63 of the relay switches R1 and R3 are normally open, switch 46 of relay switch R2 is normally closed, push button two point make switch 62 is normally open, and push button two point breat switch 89 is normally closed. Microswitch M is normally open, while switch 96 of the timedelay switch TD is norm-ally closed.

Master control switch 24 may be of any suitable character but is shown symbolically as a combination switch, the combination of which is normally known only to a limited authorized personnel.

Combination switches are known, and the switch shown herein is normally open. Upon operation of the switch 24 with the proper combination the switch may be closed.

As soon as switch 24 closes coil 39 of the relay switch R1 is energized, current being supplied thereto by means of the wire 34 which is connected to the power line 2%) and wires 32 and 28, switch 24 and wire 26 which is connected to the power line 18.

It takes but a momentary energization of the coil 30 to effect closing of the switch 38. When switch 38 is closed the coil 39 is maintained in an energized state even though the master switch 24 is immediately opened. When switch 38 has been closed the current to keep said coil energized is supplied to one end of the coil by the wire 34 and to the other end of said coil by wires 32, 28 and 58, switch 38, wire 44, switch 46 and wire 18.

Since switch 24 need only be momentarily closed, it is immediately opened again so as to require redialing to effect its subsequent closing. Switch 24 may be so arranged that when the last turning movement of the dial is made, there will be a momentary closing of the switch and then its opening again.

The next relay switch to be energized is the switch R3 and the coil 68 thereof is energized when the push button switch 62 is closed by pressure on the button 66 thereof. When switch 62 is closed energizing current is supplied to coil 63 by the wire 72 which connects one end Oif said coil with the power line 29. The other end of said coil is supplied with current through the wire 53 which also carries current to the coil 30 of the switch R1, as hereinabove described. The power from wire 58 passes through the closed switch 62 and wire 70 to the coil 68 of said switch R3, whereupon switch 60 is closed. This elTects lighting of the light 84 which has one side connected to the power line 20 by means of the wire 86 and the other side connected to power line 18 through the wire 78, wire 76, switch 60 and wire 23, which receives power through the above described circuit which includes the wire 58.

Switches R1 and R3 are now maintained closed and a solenoid it is ready to be activated upon closing of the microswitch M.

When the microswitch M is closed, as will be hereinafter described, the coil of the solenoid lil is energized, since one end of its coil is connected to the power wire or line 20 by the wire 22. and the other end of said coil is connected to the power line 13 through the wire 88, microswitch M, wire 94, time-delay switch TD, wire 98, wire 78 and the remaining part of the circuit above described.

Upon energization of the solenoid 10 the armature 12 thereof moves downwardly to move the die or signaturecarrying member 14 downwardly in an operative movement. Simultaneously the coil 1% of the time-delay switch TD is energized, one end of said coil receiving current through the wire llti which is connected to the wire 88 which, in turn, receives current from the power line 18. The other end of said coil 106 is connected to the power line 28 by means of the wire 1%. Energization of the coil Hi6 effects opening of the switch 96 whereupon the solenoid 19 is deenergized. There is a slight time delay in the closing movement of the switch member 1% of switch as, such time delay allowing time for opening of the microswitch M, as will be more particularly described hereinafter. The closing of the microswitch M to energize the solenoid it) and effect stamping or impressing movement of the signature bearing element 14 and the deenergizing of same through the time-delay switch TD may be repeated indefinitely as long as the push button switch 62. is held in the closed position. The time-delay switch TD opens to deenergize the solenoid so that the element 14 moves away from the check, and permits the operator to remove the signed check. Removal oi the signed check causes the microswitch to open. The timedelay switch will then close after the momentary opening and the device is ready for stamping the signature on the next check.

However, should the operator be called away from the device he automatically releases the pressure on the button on ofthe switch 62 and since this is a normally open switch it returns to its normal posit-ion. Simultaneously the switch 34), which has been held open when pressure is applied to the button 5-6, moves to the closed position, said switch 8t) being, of course, a normally closed switch. Closing of switch 86 effects energization of the relay switch R2. Such closing of switch applies current from the power line or wire 18 to one end of the coil 54, the other end of said coil beingconnected to the wire 20. Enengization of the coil 54 effects opening of the switch 46 to thereupon cut off the supply of current to the coil 30 from the power line or wire 18. Upon deenergizing of the coil 36 of the relay switch R1, the switch 38 thereof opens, thus deactivating the entire electrical system, which cannot be reactivated until the master switch 24 has been closed, at least momentarily.

In FIG. 2 there is shown a device or apparatus embodying the above described system. The device includes a housing indicated generally at 125, which has an access door, not shown, provided with a lock, also not shown, so unauthorized persons cannot get access into said housing. The front of the housing is provided with a panel 126 which carries the master switch 24. At one side the housing is provided with slot 128 in which checks are receivable.

The slot 128 is so arranged as to guide the check to a position whereat the place on the check for the signature is disposed beneath the signature bearing stamp or element 14. The microswitch M is disposed in the housing with the button 92 thereof in the slot 128 and so located that when the place or space for the signature is operably positioned beneath the stamp or element 14 the adjacent edge of the check will engage said button 92 and move same to effect closing of said microswitch M. it is well known that microswitches are easily actuated and the pressure of a check on the button 92 is suflicient to effect such closing of said switch M.

Any suitable arrangement may be used to effect the proper positioning of the check in the slot 128. For example, the left hand end of the slot 128 may be closed by a suitable wall, not shown, and the back of the slot may be similarly closed, said left hand wall having, of course, an opening through which button 92 operab ly projects into said slot 128.

The light 84- is mounted at the front of the housing 125 to show that the apparatus is ready for insertion of checks for signature. Button 66 of the switch 62 is located adjacent a handle 131B vertically disposed in a recess 132 at the forward left hand part of the housing 125, said button 66 being so located for convenient engagement by the left hand thumb of the operator and held in the closed position.

It is to be understood, of course, that the housing may be of other shape and the parts Olf the apparatus otherwise arranged.

Various arrangements may be used to provide ink for the signature when the stamp or element 14 is moved downwardly by the solenoid 10. One arrangement comprises a ribbon 135, such as is used on typewriters Ribbon 136 is carried by spools 138 and 14% operably mounted at or adjacent opposite ends of the element 14, the ribbon passing beneath said element so that when the latter is actuated downwardly by the solenoid it the signature on the underside of said element 14 will be stamped onto the check. Any suitable well known means, such as brackets (not shown), may be used to mount the solenoid with its stamp or element 14 in the housing and said stamp is adapted to move through an opening 142 in the top wall 144- defining the slot 28. Opening 14?. may serve as a guide means for the element 14. Alternatively any other suitable means may be used to keep the stamp element 14 properly oriented relative to the space for signature on a check operably positioned in said slot 128.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown an alternative master control means which comprises a key operated master switch mechanism, indicated generally at 1'50. This mechanism includes a barrel 152 having tumblers therein, not shown, and the lock mechanism is operated by a key 154.

Locks of this character return to the initial normal position when the key is released and such locks are well known. The lock also includes a rearwardly extending shaft 156 which is rotated when the proper key 154 is inserted in the lock and rotated through the usual arc of rotation. At its outer free end of the shaft 156 is provided with a cam or ecmntric member 158 which is in contact with a roller 169 of a mi croswitch M2. Roller 16% is carried at the free end of a lever 162 having its opposite end 164 pivotally carried by the housing 166 of the microswitch M2. Roller 160, when moved upwardly by the cam or eccentric 158 actuates the plunger 168 of the microswitch to thereby effect closing of said switch. When the master switch 150 is thus closed to effect energization of the coil 3% of the relay switch R1, the key is released and the switch will then open, whereupon key 154 is removed by the operator. Closing of the switch 155 which is substituted for the switch 24, renders the system ready for operation as above described.

The invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the pants of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof or sacrificing its material advantages, the embodiments hereinbefore described being merely for purposes of illustration.

I claim:

1. Check signing apparatus, comprising:

(A) A housing (a) having a check-receiving slot in which a check is adapted to be placed in position for impressing a signature thereon,

6 (b) said slot having a pair of parallel, spaced Walls with a guide opening in one wall through which a signature bearing element is adapted to operably move;

(B) and an electrical system disposed in said housing,

said system having (a) a pair of power lines adapted to be connected to a source of power,

(1)) a first relay switch means closed when said coil is energized;

(c) a normally open master switch, said coil having a connection with one of said power lines and a connection with said master switch which, when closed, connects said coil with the other power line, said coil being energized upon closing of said master switch and deenergized when said master switch is open, said master switch being adapted for momentary closing,

(d) a second connection for said coil with said other power line when the switch of said first relay switch is closed;

(2) a second relay switch including a coil and normally open switch means closed when said coil is energized, said coil having one end connected with said one power line and being adapted to be connected to the other power line through the switch means of the first relay switch when closed,

(f) and a push button two point make switch when the latter is closed, said latter switch being operable from the exterior of said housing, the coil of the second relay switch being energized as long as said first relay switch means and said push button switch are closed;

g) a solenoid having (1) an armature, and (2) a signature bearing element attached to one end of said armature normal to the axis thereof, said element being disposed for movement through said guide opening in the one wall of the housing slot, said element being operatively moved into said slot through said opening by said solenoid when energized, said solenoid having a connection with one of said power lines and having a connection with the other power line through the switch means of said second relay switch when the latter is closed,

(h) a normally closed time-delay switch (i) and a normally open microswitch, said solenoid being energized when said microswitch is closed, said microswitch having an actuating member disposed in said slot in a position to be engaged by a check inserted in said slot when the portion of said check to bear the signature is positioned in operative relationship to said signature bearing element, said timedelay switch being opened upon closing of said microswitch and having a delayed closing;

(j) and a third relay switch having a coil and a normally closed switch means in the connection between said other power line and the switch means of the first relay switch, the coil of the third relay switch being connected with the said one power line and having a connection with the other power line through said switch means of the first relay switch,

(k) there being a push button two point break switch in the connection between the coil of the third relay switch and the switch means of the first relay switch, said push button two point break switch being connected with the push button two point make switch so that when the latter is closed the two point break switch is open and when said two point make switch is open the two point break switch is closed to energize the third relay switch and effect opening of the switch means thereof to thereby break the circuit to the first relay switch and cause the coil thereof to be deenergized and the switch means thereof to be opened to thereby deactivate the entire system.

2. An electrical system for check signing apparatus,

including:

(A) a pair of power lines adapted to be connected to a source of power,

(B) a first relay switch including a coil and normally open switch means closed when said coil is energized;

(C) a normally open master switch, said coil having a connection with one of said power lines and a connection with said master switch which, when closed, connects said coil with the other power line, said coil being energized upon closing of said master switch and deenergized when said master switch is open, said master switch being adapted for momentary closing;

(D) a second connection for said coil with said other power line when the switch means of said first relay switch is closed;

(E) a second relay switch including a coil and a normally open switch means closed when said coil is energized, said coil having one end connected with said one power line and being adapted to be connected to the other power line through the switch of the first relay switch,

(F) there being a push button two point make switch in the latter connection, the coil of the second relay switch being energized when said push button switch is closed;

(G) a solenoid having (a) an armature (b) and a signature bearing element attached to one end of said armature normal to the axis thereof, said solenoid having a connection with said one power line having a connection with the other power line through the switch means of said second relay switch when the latter is closed,

(H) a normally closed time-delay switch (I) and a normally open microswitch, said solenoid being energized when said time-delay and said microswitch are closed, said time-delay switch being momentarily opened upon closing of said microswitch and closing after a short delay;

(I) and a third relay switch having a coil and a normally closed switch means in the connection between the one power line and the switch means of the first relay switch, the coil of the third relay switch being connected with the said one power line and having a connection with the other power line through said switch means of the first relay switch,

(K) there being a push button two point break switch in the connection between the coil of the third relay switch and the switch means of the first relay switch, said push button two point break switch being connected with the push button two point make switch so that when the latter is closed the two point break switch is open and when said two point make switch is open the two point break switch is closed to energize the third relay switch and effect opening of the switch element thereof to thereby break the circuit to the first relay switch and cause the coil thereof to be deenergized and the switch means thereof to be opened to thereby deactivate the entire system.

3. In check-signing apparatus:

(A) a signature-bearing stamping element;

(B) electrically operable means for actuating said stamping element;

(C) an electrical system for said electrically operable means, said electrical system comprising (a) a first portion including a first normally open electrically operable switch,

([2) and a normally open manually operable master switch which, when closed, effects energizing of said first electrically operable switch for closing same, thereby completing a circuit for maintaining said first electrically operable switch energized when the master switch is thereafter opened;

(D) a second circuit portion comprising (a) a normally open second electrically operable switch (b) and a normally open manually operable switch therefor which, when closed, effects energization of said second electrically operable switch;

(E) a third circuit portion supplied with current through the second electrically operable switch when the latter is closed, said third circuit portion including (a) a connection with the electrically operable means for actuating the stamping element,

(b) and a normally open microswitch for said connection which, when closed, effects energization of said electrically operable means;

(F) a normally closed electrically operable time-delay switch in said connection, said time-delay switch being connected into the electrical system so that closing of the microswitch also actuates said timedelay switch and opens same, there being a timedelay in the closing of said switch after the microswitch has been opened;

(G) and a normally closed third electrically operable switch controlling the system,

(H) means for supplying said third electrically operable switch with current, said means including a normally closed manually operable switch connected to the first mentioned manually operable switch, said manually operable switches being arranged so that when the first manually operable switch is open the second manually operable switch is closed and vice versa, the entire system being deactivated upon closing of the second manually operable switch and energization of said third electrically operable switch which is opened when energized.

4. In check-signing apparatus:

(A) a signature-bearing stamping element;

(B) electrically openable means for actuating said stamping element;

(C) an electrical system for said electrically operable means, said electrical system including (a) first normally open electrically operable switch;

(b) a manually operable master switch which, when closed, energizes said first electrically .operable switch for closing same, thereby completing a circuit for maintaining said first electrically operable switch energized after the master switch is thereafter opened;

(a) a second normally open electrically operable switch (0?) and a normally open manually operable switch therefor which, when closed, effects energization of said second electrically operable switch;

(e) a circuit portion supplied with current through the second electrically operable switch when the latter is closed, said third circuit portion including a connection with the electrically operable means for the stamping element,

'(D) a normally open microswitch for said connection which, when closed, effects energization of said electrically operable means;

(E) a normally closed electrically operable time-delay switch energized upon closing of the microswitch;

(F) a normally closed third electrically operable switch controlling the system;

G) and a normally closed manually operable switch controlling said third electrically operable switch and connected to the first mentioned manually operable switch, said manually operable switches being arranged so that when the first manually operable switch is open the second is closed and vice versa.

5. In check-signing apparatus:

(A) a signature-bearing stamping element;

(B) electrically operable means for actuating said stamping element;

(C) an electrical system for said electrically operable means, said electrical system including (a) 'a first normally open electrically operable switch;

(b) a manually operable master switch which, when closed, energizes said first electrically operable switch for closing same, thereby completing a circuit for maintaining said first electtrically operable switch energized after the master switch is thereafter opened;

(c) a second normally open electrically operable switch;

(d) and a normally open manually operable switch therefor which, when closed, effects energization of said second electrically operable switch;

(e) a circuit portion supplied with current through the second electrically operable switch when the latter is closed, said third circuit portion including a connection with the electrically operable means for the stamping element;

(D) a. norm-ally open switch for said connection which has an actuating element operated by pressure of a check thereon and said switch, when closed, effects energization of said electrically operable means;

(E) a normally closed electrically operable time-delay switch energized upon closing of the last mentioned switch;

('F) and a normally closed third electrically operable switch controlling the system.

6. In check-signing apparatus:

(A) a signature-bearing stamping element;

(B) electrically operable means for actuating said stamping element;

(C) an electrical system for said electrically operable means, said electrical system including (a) a first normally open electrically operable switch;

(b) a manually operable master switch which, when closed, energizes said first electrically operable switch for closing same, thereby completing a circuit for maintaining said first electrically openable switch energized after the master switch is thereafter opened,

a second normally open electrically operable switch,

(d) and a normally open manually operable switch therefor which, when closed, effects energization of said second electrically operable switch,

(e) a circuit portion supplied with current through the second electrically operable switch when the latter is closed, said third circuit portion including a connection with the electrically operable means for the stamping element;

(D) a normally open switch for said connection which, when closed, effects energization of said electrically operable means;

(E) a normally closed electrically operable time-delay switch energized upon closing of the last mentioned switch.

(F) and means for deenergizing the electrical system when the normally open manually operable switch is opened after being closed.

7. In check-signing apparatus:

(A) a signature-bearing stamping element;

(B) electrically operable means for actuating said stamping element;

(C) an electrical system for said electrically operable means, said electrical system including (a) a first normally open electrically operable switch;

(b) a master switch which, when closed, energizes said first electrically operable switch for closing same, thereby completing a circuit for maintaining said first electrically operable switch energized after the master switch is thereafter opened;

(0) a second normally open electrically operable switch,

(d) and a normally open manually operable switch therefor which, when closed, effects energization of said second electrically operable switch;

(e) a circuit portion supplied with current through the second electrically operable switch when the latter is closed, said third circuit portion including a connection with the electrically operable means for the stamping element;

(D) a normally open microswitch for said connection which, when closed, effects energization of said electrically operable means;

(E) and a normally closed electrically operable timedelay switch energized upon closing of the microswitch.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,943,607 Hedman Jan. 6, 1934 1,984,706 Slettevold Dec. 18, 1934 2,257,949 Gruettner Oct. 7, 1941 2,276,111 Spears Mar. 10, 1942 2,454,025 Amend et a1 Nov. 16, 1948 2,608,156 Gilthorpe Aug. 26, 1952 

1. CHECK SIGNING APPARATUS, COMPRISING: (A) A HOUSING (A) HAVING A CHECK-RECEIVING SLOT IN WHICH A CHECK IS ADAPTED TO BE PLACED IN POSITION FOR IMPRESSING A SIGNATURE THEREON, (B) SAID SLOT HAVING A PAIR OF PARALLEL, SPACED WALLS WITH A GUIDE OPENING IN ONE WALL THROUGH WHICH A SIGNATURE BEARING ELEMENT IS ADAPTED TO OPERABLY MOVE; (B) AND AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DISPOSED IN SAID HOUSING, SAID SYSTEM HAVING (A) A PAIR OF POWER LINES ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO A SOURCE OF POWER, (B) A FIRST RELAY SWITCH MEANS CLOSED WHEN SAID COIL IS ENERGIZED; (C) A NORMALLY OPEN MASTER SWITCH, SAID COIL HAVING A CONNECTION WITH ONE OF SAID POWER LINES AND A CONNECTION WITH SAID MASTER SWITCH WHICH, WHEN CLOSED, CONNECTS SAID COIL WITH THE OTHER POWER LINE, SAID COIL BEING ENERGIZED UPON CLOSING OF SAID MASTER SWITCH AND DEENERGIZED WHEN SAID MASTER SWITCH IS OPEN, SAID MASTER SWITCH BEING ADAPTED FOR MOMENTARY CLOSING, (D) A SECOND CONNECTION FOR SAID COIL WITH SAID OTHER POWER LINE WHEN THE SWITCH OF SAID FIRST RELAY SWITCH IS CLOSED; (E) A SECOND RELAY SWITCH INCLUDING A COIL AND NORMALLY OPEN SWITCH MEANS CLOSED WHEN SAID COIL IS ENERGIZED, SAID COIL HAVING ONE END CONNECTED WITH SAID ONE POWER LINE AND BEING ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO THE OTHER POWER LINE THROUGH THE SWITCH MEANS OF THE FIRST RELAY SWITCH WHEN CLOSED, (F) AND A PUSH BUTTON TWO POINT MAKE SWITCH WHEN THE LATTER IS CLOSED, SAID LATTER SWITCH BEING OPERABLE FROM THE EXTERIOR OF SAID HOUSING, THE COIL OF THE SECOND RELAY SWITCH BEING ENERGIZED AS LONG AS SAID FIRST RELAY SWITCH MEANS AND SAID PUSH BUTTON SWITCH ARE CLOSED; (G) A SOLENOID HAVING (1) AN ARMATURE, AND (2) A SIGNATURE BEARING ELEMENT ATTACHED TO ONE END OF SAID ARMATURE NORMAL TO THE AXIS THEREOF, SAID ELEMENT BEING DISPOSED FOR MOVEMENT THROUGH SAID GUIDE OPENING IN THE ONE WALL OF THE HOUSING SLOT, SAID ELEMENT BEING OPERATIVELY MOVED INTO SAID SLOT THROUGH SAID OPENING BY SAID SOLENOID WHEN ENERGIZED, SAID SOLENOID HAVING A CONNECTION WITH ONE OF SAID POWER LINES AND HAVING A CONNECTION WITH THE OTHER POWER LINE THROUGH THE SWITCH MEANS OF SAID SECOND RELAY SWITCH WHEN THE LATTER IS CLOSED, (H) A NORMALLY CLOSED TIME-DELAY SWITCH (I) AND A NORMALLY OPEN MICROSWITCH, SAID SOLENOID BEING ENERGIZED WHEN SAID MICROSWITCH IS CLOSED, SAID MICROSWITCH HAVING AN ACTUATING MEMBER DISPOSED IN SAID SLOT IN A POSITION TO BE ENGAGED BY A CHECK INSERTED IN SAID SLOT WHEN THE PORTION OF SAID CHECK TO BEAR THE SIGNATURE IS POSITIONED IN OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP TO SAID SIGNATURE BEARING ELEMENT, SAID TIMEDELAY SWITCH BEING OPENED UPON CLOSING OF SAID MICROSWITCH AND HAVING A DELAYED CLOSING; (J) AND A THIRD RELAY SWITCH HAVING A COIL AND A NORMALLY CLOSED SWITCH MEANS IN THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SAID OTHER POWER LINE AND THE SWITCH MEANS OF THE FIRST RELAY SWITCH, THE COIL OF THE THIRD RELAY SWITCH BEING CONNECTED WITH THE SAID ONE POWER LINE AND HAVING A CONNECTION WITH THE OTHER POWER LINE THROUGH SAID SWITCH MEANS OF THE FIRST RELAY SWITCH, (K) THERE BEING A PUSH BUTTON TWO POINT BREAK SWITCH IN THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE COIL OF THE THIRD RELAY SWITCH AND THE SWITCH MEANS OF THE FIRST RELAY SWITCH, SAID PUSH BUTTON TWO POINT BREAK SWITCH BEING CONNECTED WITH THE PUSH BUTTON TWO POINT MAKE SWITCH SO THAT WHEN THE LATTER IS CLOSED THE TWO POINT BREAK SWITCH IS OPEN AND WHEN SAID TWO POINT MAKE SWITCH IS OPEN THE TWO POINT BREAK SWITCH IS CLOSED TO ENERGIZE THE THIRD RELAY SWITCH AND EFFECT OPENING OF THE SWITCH MEANS THEREOF TO THEREBY BREAK THE CIRCUIT TO THE FIRST RELAY SWITCH AND CAUSE THE COIL THEREOF TO BE DEENERGIZED AND THE SWITCH MEANS THEREOF TO BE OPENED TO THEREBY DEACTIVATE THE ENTIRE SYSTEM. 